Diwali means light, hope, and joy. It makes us light up new, bright and colourful dreams, renews our hopes and fills us with vigour and vitality. Diwali is synonymous with the celebration of life and to make this festival special Staford School invited the potter to let children experience the joy of make diyas and appreciate the effort that goes into the making of this tiny little lamp. Though the festival of lights today is celebrated by lighting up electric lights festooning every home, nothing can match the warm glow of the oil lamps flickering gently in the moonless night. Therefore Diwali celebrations are incomplete without these earthen lamps to hold oil and cotton wicks, burning brightly to dispel darkness.
Once the potter and his wheels were introduced to the children, the teachers’ team and the potter helped the children make these earthen lamps on the swiftly rotating wheel. The feel of wet clay taking shape within the confines of the two hands is an experience each child will remember and cherish. Children made several diyas and watched their peers take turns too. The diyas were then left to dry; children are now waiting eagerly to decorate their diyas and make it colourful.
We wish to connect our children to the basic essence of Indian Culture and help them find meaning in Indian traditions. The use of clay diyas helps not only in conserving electricity, but also provides livelihood to the humble potter who is keeping alive the traditional crafts through his efforts. Besides, the diyas are eco-friendly and lighting oil lamps brings positive energy into the homes. We want this Diwali to be a pollution free Diwali and truly a festival of lights.